Kathy Thomas

Kathy Thomas, Ph.D. is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Applied Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies, in the School of Applied Sciences and Arts within the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts at Arizona State University. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Thomas has built a career rooted in inclusive pedagogy, interdisciplinary instruction, and student mentorship.

Her academic background is both broad and integrative, encompassing a Ph.D. in Environmental Planning along with degrees in Zoology and Women’s Studies. This diverse foundation supports her commitment to applied, interdisciplinary teaching and aligns closely with ASU’s design aspiration to fuse intellectual disciplines. Her expertise spans environmental planning, resource management, zoology, and gender studies, enabling her to bring a comprehensive perspective to the classroom.

Dr. Thomas specializes in delivering high-impact learning experiences across multiple modalities, including both fully online and in-person formats. She has designed and taught a wide array of undergraduate and graduate courses in Sociology, Science and Technology Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies. Her teaching portfolio includes foundational courses such as Introductory Sociology, Modern Social Problems, The Modern City, and Social Change, as well as distinctive special topics courses such as Pets in Society, Societal Risks in a Pandemic, and Trending Topics in Social Science. At the graduate level, she teaches Cultural Diversity and Gender Understanding and provides mentorship for students engaged in thesis and applied research projects.

Dr. Thomas is widely recognized for her excellence in teaching. In 2023, she received multiple Professor of Impact awards from students in recognition of her ability to inspire, engage, and support learners from diverse backgrounds.